Sanitation facilities can be designed for communal or individual
household use. The introduction of communal ventilated improved pit latrines
would be appropriate, for example at institutions such as schools and health
units. Families, on the other hand may wish to construct or improve their own
facilities. The main technical issues to consider relate to identification of
appropriate solutions based on factors such as cost, material requirements and
availability, desired level of convenience, and technical skill required for
construction. Households that currently have and use traditional pit latrines
may wish to upgrade their facilities by purchasing a sanitary platform (sanplat).
Proper siting of sanitation facilities is important to avoid problems of groundwater
contamination. Pit latrines should not be sunk in areas where the water table
is very high, or situated too close to water-points. The design and promotion
of sanitation facilities will necessitate close consideration of the differences
in the needs of men and women at home and the workplace, and of boys and girls
in schools.
previous - next
